Italy, Italy: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Italy, Italy? If you're planning to go to Italy, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Italy, Italy

Based on the climate and weather in Italy, Italy, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Italy, Italy

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Italy, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Italy, Italy by month

January

Traveling to Italy in January, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Italy has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Italy. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and L. Make sure to pick the right kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

If you vacation in Italy during February, you are likely to see that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Italy has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Italy. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and L. Take care to pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

If you are traveling to Italy in March, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Italy has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Italy. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and L. Be sure to choose the right type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

If you visit Italy during April, you will probably see that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Italy has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Italy. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and L. Take care to find the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

If you visit Italy during May, you might find that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Italy has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Italy. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and L. Ensure that you get the right type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

June

If you vacation in Italy during June, you will probably find that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Italy has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Italy. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and L. Take care to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you visit Italy during July, you may notice that it can be very hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Italy has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Italy. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and L. Be careful to find the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

August

If you visit Italy during August, you will probably find that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Italy has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Italy. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and L. It's important that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

If you go to Italy in September, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Italy has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Italy. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and L. Make sure to get the correct type. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

October

If you are traveling to Italy in October, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Italy has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Italy. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and L. It's important that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November in Italy is crisp. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Italy has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Italy. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and L. Ensure that you find the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December in this region is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Italy has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Italy. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, F and L. Be sure to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Italy, Italy

Italy is a country with immense beauty and heritage. From the stunning Tuscan hill towns, rolling vineyards, glittering blue seas to ancient ruins, Italy has always been one of the top tourist destinations for people from all over the world. The country’s renowned landmarks, impressive architecture, and fascinating history are just a few of the reasons why tourists are so attracted to it. There’s something for everyone in Italy, and with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. So, here’s a list of some of the top tourist attractions in Italy.

1. The Colosseum – undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, the Colosseum is an iconic landmark, boasting a rich history of gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles, which can still be seen in its ruins today.

2. Pompeii – located in the Bay of Naples, this ancient Roman city was destroyed and covered by ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Today, it is an open-air museum, giving visitors a glimpse of what life was like in ancient Rome.

3. The Leaning Tower of Pisa – one of Italy’s most famous landmarks, visitors from all over the world come to take their photographs pretending to hold the tower up.

4. The Vatican City – home to some of the most significant art and architecture in the world, the Vatican City is a must-see for anyone visiting Italy. Visitors can explore St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.

5. Cinque Terre – this picturesque coastline on the Italian Riviera, is home to five small towns, which are connected by a winding coastal path. Visitors can hike between the towns, take a boat, or simply relax on the beaches.

6. Tuscany – a region in central Italy, Tuscany is renowned for its picturesque landscape, historic cities including Florence, Pisa, and Siena, and its production of Chianti wine. Visitors can take a wine tour and sample some of Italy's finest wines.

7. Venice – a city built on water, Venice is a unique and fascinating place that must be experienced. Visitors can explore its narrow alleyways, take a scenic gondola ride along the canals, and admire the impressive architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica.

8. The Amalfi Coast – a stunning coastline in southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast consists of small towns perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

9. Lake Como – nestled in the foothills of the Alps, Lake Como is a picture-perfect lake surrounded by mountains, quaint villages and dotted with luxurious villas with charming gardens.

10. Sicily – the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a melting pot of culture, history, and food. From the ancient Greek temples in Agrigento to the spectacular Mount Etna, visitors can explore a range of attractions and enjoy local region dishes.

In conclusion, this list simply gives a glimpse of some of the best Italy has to offer. Visitors to Italy can experience a range of culture, history, art, and cuisine that makes it one of the most fascinating countries to visit. So, if you are planning to visit Italy, setting aside time to explore these top tourist attractions will undoubtedly make your trip unforgettable.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic, Chelmsford, Massachusetts, United States of America, Nkoringo, Uganda, Xilitla, San Luis Potos, Mexico, Dover, New Hampshire, United States of America, Boscastle, England, United Kingdom, Marottichal, India, Mayiladuthurai, India, El Alamein, Egypt, Västernorrland County, Sweden, and La Grange, Illinois, United States of America.